Last Updated on May 14, 2026 6:32 am
Seven volunteers with the New River Conservancy hauled 800 pounds of Hurricane Helene debris from the South Fork New River last week, clearing a stretch from New River Castle Ford to Green Valley Park and reaching a milestone in the organization's ongoing recovery cleanup effort.
The haul included eight tires, three pool noodles, a cellphone, a large tarp, lumber, and numerous bottles and cans — much of it deposited along the riverbanks and in the water when Helene swept through western North Carolina in September 2024.
“Thank you to all the volunteers who came out to support the Conservancy's mission to continue thoroughly cleaning the South Fork,” said Will Sowards, director of the New River Conservancy. “We can now say that the first 30 miles of the South Fork are in perfect condition and wouldn't be without all the support from our partners and volunteers.”
The cleanup was conducted with support from Keep Ashe Beautiful, NC Works, and NC Wildlife Federation's High Country Wild.
The New River Conservancy has another cleanup scheduled for this Saturday — running from Todd Island to Green Meadows. Volunteers can sign up at newriverconservancy.org.
📷 New River Conservancy
